Local interactions with the Glu166 base and the conformation of an active site loop play key roles in carbapenem hydrolysis by the KPC-2 β-lactamase
Not Available
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
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Results for “antibiotic resistance”
Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.
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The Evaluation of Methicillin Resistance in Staphylococcus aboard the International Space Station
The International Space Station (ISS) represents a semi-closed environment with a high level of crewmember interaction. As community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) has emerged as a health concern in environments with susceptible hosts in close proximity, an evaluation of isolates of clinical and environmental Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase negative Staphylococcus was performed to determine if this trend was also present in astronauts aboard ISS or the space station itself. Rep-PCR fingerprinting analysis of archived ISS isolates confirmed our earlier studies indicating a transfer of S. aureus between crewmembers. In addition, this fingerprinting also indicated a transfer between crewmembers and their environment. While a variety of S. aureus were identified from both the crewmembers and the environment, phenotypic evaluations indicated minimal methicillin resistance. However, positive results for the Penicillin Binding Protein, indicative of the presence of the mecA gene, were detected in multiple isolates of archived Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus haemolyticus. Phenotypic analysis of these isolates confirmed their resistance to methicillin. While MRSA has not been isolated aboard ISS, the potential exists for the transfer of the gene, mecA, from coagulase negative environmental Staphylococcus to S. aureus creating MRSA strains. This study suggests the need to expand environmental monitoring aboard long duration exploration spacecraft to include antibiotic resistance profiling.
Ott, C. M.↗
EcAMSat and BioSentinel: Autonomous Bio Nanosatellites Addressing Strategic Knowledge Gaps for Manned Spaceflight Beyond LEO
Manned missions beyond low Earth orbit (LEO) require that several strategic knowledge gaps about the effects of space travel on the human body be addressed. NASA Ames Research Center has been the leader in developing autonomous bio nanosatellites, including past successful missions for GeneSat, PharmaSat, and O/OREOS, that tackled some of these issues. These nanosatellites provide in situ measurements, which deliver insight into the dynamic changes in cell behavior in microgravity. In this talk, two upcoming bio nanosatellites developed at Ames, the E. coli Antimicrobial Satellite (EcAMSat) and BioSentinel, will be discussed. Both satellites contain microfluidic systems that precisely deliver nutrients to the microorganisms stored within wells of fluidic cards. Each well, in turn, has its own 3-color LED and detector system which is used to monitor changes in metabolic activity with alamarBlue, a redox indicator, and the optical density of the cells. EcAMSat investigates the effects of microgravity on bacterial resistance to antimicrobial drugs, vital knowledge for understanding how to maintain the health of astronauts in long-term and beyond LEO spaceflight. The behavior of wild type and mutant uropathic E. coli will be compared in microgravity and with ground data to help understand the molecular mechanisms behind antibiotic resistance and how these phenotypes might change in space. BioSentinel seeks to directly measure the effects of space radiation on budding yeast S. cerevisiae, particularly double strand breaks (DSB). While hitching a ride on the SLS EM-1 mission (Orion's first unmanned mission to the moon) in 2018, BioSentinel will be kicked off and enter into a heliocentric orbit, becoming the first study of the effects of radiation on living organisms outside LEO since the Apollo program. The yeast are stored in eighteen independent 16-well microfluidic cards, which will be individually activated over the 12 month mission duration. In addition to the wild type and radiation-sensitive mutant strains, a BioSentinel strain of yeast has been developed, which requires a DSB to reactivate growth, thereby allowing for a direct measurement of DSBs caused by radiation. These two missions demonstrate the utility of using autonomous nanosatellites to address strategic knowledge gaps in the push to once again extend manned spaceflight beyond LEO.
Padgen, Michael R.↗
EcAMSat and BioSentinel: Autonomous Bio Nanosatellites Addressing Strategic Knowledge Gaps for Manned Spaceflight Beyond LEO
Manned missions beyond low Earth orbit (LEO) require that several strategic knowledge gaps about the effects of space travel on the human body be addressed. NASA Ames Research Center has been the leader in developing autonomous bio nanosatellites, including past successful missions for GeneSat, PharmaSat, and OOREOS, that tackled some of these issues. These nanosatellites provide in situ measurements, which deliver insight into the dynamic changes in cell behavior in microgravity. In this talk, two upcoming bio nanosatellites developed at Ames, the E. coli Antimicrobial Satellite (EcAMSat) and BioSentinel, will be discussed. Both satellites contain microfluidic systems that precisely deliver nutrients to the microorganisms stored within wells of fluidic cards. Each well, in turn, has its own 3-color LED and detector system which is used to monitor changes in metabolic activity with alamarBlue, a redox indicator, and the optical density of the cells. EcAMSat investigates the effects of microgravity on bacterial resistance to antimicrobial drugs, vital knowledge for understanding how to maintain the health of astronauts in long-term and beyond LEO spaceflight. The behavior of wild type and mutant uropathic E. coli will be compared in microgravity and with ground data to help understand the molecular mechanisms behind antibiotic resistance and how these phenotypes might change in space. BioSentinel seeks to directly measure the effects of space radiation on budding yeast S. cerevisiae, particularly double strand breaks (DSB). While hitching a ride on the SLS EM-1 mission (Orions first unmanned mission to the moon) in 2018, BioSentinel will be kicked off and enter into a heliocentric orbit, becoming the first study of the effects of radiation on living organisms outside LEO since the Apollo program. The yeast are stored in eighteen independent 16-well microfluidic cards, which will be individually activated over the 12 month mission duration. In addition to the wild type and radiation-sensitive mutant strains, a BioSentinel strain of yeast has been developed, which requires a DSB to reactivate growth, thereby allowing for a direct measurement of DSBs caused by radiation. These two missions demonstrate the utility of using autonomous nanosatellites to address strategic knowledge gaps in the push to once again extend manned spaceflight beyond LEO.
Padgen, Mike↗
Bioorthogonal Click Chemistry for Antibody-Free Profiling of Acetylation, Propionylation, and Butyrylation in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Lysine acylation is a posttranslational modification (PTM) conserved in all domains of life and is essential for regulating diverse biological processes. Traditional methods for investigating acylation rely on anti-acyl-lysine antibodies, which are costly and time-consuming and often exhibit variable affinity. To remedy these pitfalls, we developed an antibody-free method for bacterial acylome enrichment using bioorthogonal click chemistry coupled with tandem mass spectrometry. We applied this approach to the pathogens Pseudomonas aeruginosa and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) to explore the biological significance of acylation in each organism. We characterized the acetylome, propionylome, and butyrylome in P. aeruginosa UCBPP-PA14 and the acetylome and propionylome in MRSA. Comparative analyses revealed unique PTM dynamics showing that acylation regulated a wide range of cellular functions, including metabolism, antibiotic resistance, virulence, and stress response. This work establishes the first antibody-free enrichment method for defining bacterial acylomes and provides new insight into global lysine acylation networks in pathogenic bacteria.
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
Bacterial Efflux Pumps and Their Inhibitors
Bacterial multidrug efflux transporters have distinct molecular features and mechanisms that enable their impressive substrate polyspecificity. These transporters are involved in all physiological processes where nonspecific but active transport across membranes is critical for survival and proliferation. Importantly, efflux pumps contribute to bacterial virulence and pathogenesis, as well as the spread of antibiotic resistance in clinics. Transporters belonging to several protein superfamilies have been selected for polyspecificity by evolution and augmented with accessory proteins that extend and couple transport reactions across the inner and outer membranes of the bacterium. As a result, bacteria are equipped with diverse efflux machines that protect cells from a broad variety of toxic compounds including antibiotics and other small molecule therapeutics. The inhibition of such polyspecific biomolecular machines is a challenging task, which still awaits an efficient solution. Here, we review the molecular mechanisms of efflux pumps from Gram-negative bacteria and recent advances and challenges associated with the discovery of effective inhibitors of these pumps.
Zgurskaya, Helen↗
EcAMSat: A Small Satellite Flown to Explore the Role a Sigma Factor Plays in E. coli's Response to the Antibiotic Gentamicin
We have successfully flown the EcAMSat (Escherichia coli Antimicrobial Satellite) free-flyer mission. This was a 6U (six unit - CubeSat) small satellite that autonomously conducted an experiment in low Earth orbit to explore the impact of the space environment on antibiotic resistance in uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) and the role a particular sigma factor plays in the response. After being held in stasis during transport to orbit, two strains - a wildtype UPEC and an isogenic mutant with a deleted gene that encodes a sigma factor - were grown to stationary phase in a fluidic card inside EcAMSat's payload, then incubated with three concentrations of the antibiotic gentamicin. The payload then administered alamarBlue (registered trademark), a redox indicator, into all wells of the fluidic card. The cells were then incubated for 144 hours and metabolic activity was measured optically using the payloads' LED (Light-Emitting Diode) and detector system. Data were then telemetered to the ground and compared to a control experiment conducted in an identical satellite in a lab. The results of this experiment will help us better understand important therapeutic targets for treating bacterial infections on Earth and in space. Such targets are particularly relevant to deep-space and long-duration missions where crew may be more susceptible to infection and treatments for them may work differently.
small satellite↗
EcAMSat: Small Satellite to Examine E. coli's Response in Microgravity to the Antibiotic Gentamicin
We have successfully flown the EcAMSat (Escherichia coli Antimicrobial Satellite) free-flyer mission. This was a 6U small satellite that autonomously conducted an experiment in low Earth orbit to explore the impact of the space environment on antibiotic resistance in uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) and the role a particular sigma factor plays in the response. After being held in stasis during transport to orbit, two strains†a wildtype UPEC and an isogenic mutant with a deleted gene that encodes a sigma factor†were grown to stationary phase in a fluidic card inside EcAMSat's payload, then incubated with three concentrations of the antibiotic gentamicin. The payload then administered alamarBlue®, a redox indicator, into all wells of the fluidic card. The cells were then incubated for 144 hours and metabolic activity was measured optically using the payloads' LED and detector system. Data were then telemetered to the ground and compared to a control experiment conducted in an identical satellite in a lab. The results of this experiment will help us better understand important therapeutic targets for treating bacterial infections on Earth and in space. Such targets are particularly relevant to deep-space and long-duration missions where crew may be more susceptible to infection and treatments for them may work differently.
antibiotic↗
The Gene Fitness Atlas: A Roadmap for Predicting Evolution
We developed a novel, high-throughput microfluidic device design containing “interaction zones” where progeny cell lines compete against each other allowing for accurate analysis of bacterial cell fitness. The goal of the project was to use the device for two applications: 1) gene knockout screening and 2) antibiotic resistance screening. The microfluidic platform was fabricated using photolithography and soft lithography in polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). E.coli Keio mutants and fluorescent wildtype parent were chosen for the study. Cells were grown overnight and their loading into the devices and seeding in mother machines was optimized. For mutant screening, the least fit mutant and wildtype parent were cultured individually and then added to the microfluidic device. The mother machines which were seeded with mutant and wildtype were imaged through time lapse microscopy and the growth of cells was observed. For antibiotic screening, wildtype E.coli cells which were grown overnight were added to the device and washed with media containing the antibiotic ampicillin. The growth pattern in presence and absence of ampicillin was observed through time lapse microscopy. It was observed that over a period of four hours, both the mutant and the wildtype divided in the mother machine and pushed daughter cells out into the interaction zone. In case of the antibiotic screening experiment, the fluorescent wildtype divided both in the absence and presence of sublethal concentration of ampicillin. This study is a proof of concept demonstration of high- throughput single cell analysis of cells using a novel microfluidics device.
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
Convergent behavior of extended stalk regions from staphylococcal surface proteins with widely divergent sequence patterns
Staphylococcus epidermidis and Staphylococcus aureus are highly problematic bacteria in hospital settings. A major challenge is their ability to form biofilms on abiotic or biotic surfaces. Biofilms are well-organized, multicellular bacterial aggregates that resist antibiotic treatment and often lead to recurrent infections. Bacterial cell wall-anchored (CWA) proteins are important players in biofilm formation and infection. Many have putative stalk-like regions or regions of low complexity near the cell wall-anchoring motif. Recent work demonstrated the strong propensity of the stalk region of S. epidermidis accumulation-associated protein (Aap) to remain highly extended under solution conditions that typically induce compaction. This behavior is consistent with the expected function of a stalk-like region that is covalently attached to the cell wall peptidoglycan and projects the adhesive domains of Aap away from the cell surface. In this study, we evaluate whether the ability to resist compaction is a common theme among stalk regions from various staphylococcal CWA proteins. Circular dichroism spectroscopy was used to examine secondary structure changes as a function of temperature and cosolvents along with sedimentation velocity analytical ultracentrifugation, size-exclusion chromatography, and SAXS to characterize structural characteristics in solution. All stalk regions tested are intrinsically disordered, lacking secondary structure beyond random coil and polyproline type II helix, and they all sample highly extended conformations. Remarkably, the Ser-Asp dipeptide repeat region of SdrC exhibited nearly identical behavior in solution when compared to the Aap Pro/Gly-rich region, despite highly divergent sequence patterns, indicating conservation of function by various distinct staphylococcal CWA protein stalk regions.
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
A previously uncharacterized divisome-associated lipoprotein, DalA, is needed for normal cell division in Rhodobacterales
ABSTRACT The bacterial cell envelope is a key subcellular compartment with important roles in antibiotic resistance, nutrient acquisition, and cell morphology. We seek to gain a better understanding of proteins that contribute to the function of the cell envelope in Alphaproteobacteria . Using Rhodobacter sphaeroides , we show that a previously uncharacterized protein, RSP_1200, is an outer membrane (OM) lipoprotein that non-covalently binds peptidoglycan (PG). Using a fluorescently tagged version of this protein, we find that RSP_1200 undergoes a dynamic repositioning during the cell cycle and is enriched at the septum during cell division. We show that the position of RSP_1200 mirrors the location of FtsZ rings, leading us to propose that RSP_1200 is a newly identified component of the R. sphaeroides ’ divisome. Additional support for this hypothesis includes the co-precipitation of RSP_1200 with FtsZ, the Pal protein, and several predicted PG L,D-transpeptidases. We also find that a ∆ RSP_1200 mutation leads to defects in cell division, sensitivity to PG-active antibiotics, and results in the formation of OM protrusions at the septum during cell division. Based on these results, we propose to name RSP_1200 DalA (for division-associated lipoprotein A) and postulate that DalA serves as a scaffold to position or modulate the activity of PG transpeptidases that are needed to form envelope invaginations during cell division. We find that DalA homologs are present in members of the Rhodobacterales order within Alphaproteobacteria . Therefore, we propose that further analysis of this and related proteins will increase our understanding of the macromolecular machinery and proteins that participate in cell division in Gram-negative bacteria. IMPORTANCE Multi-protein complexes of the bacterial cell envelope orchestrate key processes like growth, division, biofilm formation, antimicrobial resistance, and production of valuable compounds. The subunits of these protein complexes are well studied in some bacteria, and differences in their composition and function are linked to variations in cell envelope composition, shape, and proliferation. However, some envelope protein complex subunits have no known homologs across the bacterial phylogeny. We find that Rhodobacter sphaeroides RSP_1200 is a newly identified lipoprotein (DalA) and that loss of this protein causes defects in cell division and changes the sensitivity to compounds, affecting cell envelope synthesis and function. We find that DalA forms a complex with proteins needed for cell division, binds the cell envelope polymer peptidoglycan, and colocalizes with enzymes involved in the assembly of this macromolecule. The analysis of DalA provides new information on the cell division machinery in this and possibly other Alphaproteobacteria.
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
Assessment of antimicrobial activity of melittin encapsulated in bicontinuous microemulsions prepared using renewable oils
Abstract The objective of this study is to demonstrate that melittin, a well‐studied antimicrobial peptide (AMP), can be solubilized in an active form in bicontinuous microemulsions (BMEs) that employ biocompatible oils. The systems investigated consisted of Winsor‐III and ‐IV BME phases composed of Water/Aerosol‐OT (AOT)/Polysorbate 85/isopropyl myristate and a Winsor‐IV BME employing Polysorbate 80 and limonene. We found that melittin resided in an α‐helix‐rich configuration and was in an apolar environment for the AOT/Polysorbate 85 Winsor‐III system, suggesting that melittin interacted with the surfactant monolayer and was in an active conformation. An apolar environment was also detected for melittin in the two Winsor‐IV systems, but to a lesser extent than the Winsor‐III system. Small‐angle X‐ray scattering analysis indicated that melittin at a concentration of 1.0 g/L aq in the aqueous subphase of the Winsor‐IV systems led to the greatest impact on the BME structure (e.g., decrease of quasi‐periodic repeat distance and correlation length and induction of interfacial fluidity). The antimicrobial activity of the Polysorbate 80 Winsor‐IV system was evaluated against several bacteria prominent in chronic wounds and surgical site infections (SSIs). Melittin‐free BMEs inhibited the growth of all tested bacteria due to its oil, limonene, while the inclusion of 1.0 g/L aq of melittin in the BMEs enhanced the activity against several bacteria. A further increase of melittin concentration in the BMEs had no further enhancement. These results demonstrate the potential utility of BMEs as a delivery platform for AMPs and other hydrophilic and lipophilic drugs to inhibit antibiotic‐resistant microorganisms in chronic wounds and SSIs.
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
Gramicidin and chlorhexidine encapsulated in bicontinuous microemulsions: Antimicrobial activity performance and their impact on self‐assembly
The utility of bicontinuous microemulsions (BMEs) as carriers of the antimicrobial peptide (AMP) gramicidin D and antiseptic chlorhexidine was investigated for possible topical delivery to chronic wounds. The two water-insoluble solutes dissolved in pre-formed one-phase BMEs of Water/Polysorbate 80/Limonene/Ethanol/Glycerol and Water/Aerosol-OT (AOT)/Polysorbate 85/Isopropyl Myristate and an AOT/Polysorbate 85 Winsor-III system, achieving gramicidin and chlorhexidine concentrations of 1.0 wt% and 0.5% individually and 0.5% and 0.3% in mixtures at 22°C, respectively. Small-angle neutron scattering measurements demonstrated that both solutes decreased surfactant interfacial activity and increased interfacial fluidity for the Polysorbate 80 system. For the AOT/Polysorbate 85 systems, ellipsoidal aggregates consisting of gramicidin and likely adsorbed surfactant and oil formed, while chlorhexidine enhanced the surface activity of surfactants. According to bioassays performed on artificial skin, the incorporation of melittin, gramicidin, and chlorhexidine in general enhanced the bioactivity of Polysorbate 80 BMEs for 24 h treatment against relevant antibiotic-resistant bacteria found on skin relative to controls. Yet, BME treatments were less effective than aqueous melittin control, in contrast to well diffusion bioassays performed previously. The results reflect the strong impact of AMPs and antiseptics on BME structure and dynamics and the complexity of formulating BMEs for optimal antimicrobial activity.
antimicrobial peptides↗
Lignin - A green material for antibacterial application — A review
Lignin's antibacterial properties have become increasingly relevant due to the rise of microbial infectious diseases and antibiotic resistance. Lignin is capable of interacting electrostatically with bacteria and contains polyphenols that cause damage to their cell walls. These features make lignin a desirable material to exhibit antibacterial behavior. Therefore, lignin in antibacterial applications offers a novel approach to address the growing need for sustainable and effective antibacterial materials. Recent research has explored the incorporation of lignin in various biomedical applications, such as wound dressings, implants, and drug delivery systems, highlighting their potential as a sustainable alternative to synthetic antibacterial agents. Furthermore, the development of lignin-based nanomaterials with enhanced antimicrobial activity is an active area of research that holds great promise for the future. Here, in this review, we have provided a summary of how lignin can be incorporated into different forms, such as composite and non-composite synthesis of antibacterial agents and their performances. The challenges and future considerations are also discussed in this review article.
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
Tapping the treasure trove of atypical phages
With advancements in genomics technologies, a vast diversity of ‘atypical’ phages, that is, with single-stranded DNA or RNA genomes, are being uncovered from different ecosystems. Though these efforts have revealed the existence and prevalence of these nonmodel phages, computational approaches often fail to associate these phages with their specific bacterial host(s), while the lack of methods to isolate these phages has limited our ability to characterize infectivity pathways and new gene function. In this review, we call for the development of generalizable experimental methods to better capture this understudied viral diversity via isolation and study them through gene-level characterization and engineering. Establishing a diverse set of new ‘atypical’ phage model systems has the potential to provide many new biotechnologies, including potential uses of these atypical phages in halting the spread of antibiotic resistance and engineering of microbial communities for beneficial outcomes.
59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗
Understanding the Photochemical Properties of Polythiophene Polyelectrolyte Soft Aggregates with Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate for Antimicrobial Activity
The threat of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is an ever-increasing problem in public health. In this report, we examine the photochemical properties with a proof-of-principle biocidal assay for a novel series of regio-regular imidazolium derivative poly-(3-hexylthiophene)/sodium dodecyl sulfate (P3HT-Im/SDS) materials from ultrafast sub-ps dynamics to μs generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and 30 min biocidal reactivity with Escherichia coli (E. coli). This broad series encompassing pure P3HT-Im to cationic, neutral, and anionic P3HT-Im/SDS materials are all interrogated by a variety of techniques to characterize the physical material structure, electronic structure, and antimicrobial activity. Our results show that SDS complexation with P3HT-Im results in aggregate materials with reduced ROS generation and light-induced anti-microbial activity. However, our characterization reveals that the presence of non-aggregated or lightly SDS-covered polymer segments is still capable of ROS generation. Full encapsulation of the P3HT-Im polymer completely deactivates the light killing pathway. High SDS concentrations, near and above critical micelle concentration, further deactivate all anti-microbial activity (light and dark) even though the P3HT-Im regains its electronic properties to generate ROS.
37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗
High-throughput methods leveraging robotics and computer vision for the development of therapeutic phage cocktails
We present the high-throughput automated screening techniques that are being used to develop bacteriophage-based therapeutic products currently under investigation in human clinical trials to combat urinary tract infections. By integrating modern liquid handling robotics, standardized phenotypic assays, and computer vision-based enumeration, we established a platform capable of reproducibly screening large collections of phages against clinically derived bacterial strain panels. This approach enabled systematic assessment of phage-bacteria interactions at scale, facilitating the identification and optimization of phage cocktails with broad in vitro activity. Although bacteriophage therapy has long been investigated as a strategy for treating bacterial infections, few frameworks exist for developing phage combinations in a reproducible and scalable manner. The methods outlined here address this gap and aim to support the broader development of therapeutic assets available to combat antibiotic resistance.
Penke, Taylor J. R. [Locus Biosciences, Morrisvill↗
A microbiological survey of handwashing sinks in the hospital built environment reveals differences in patient room and healthcare personnel sinks
Handwashing sinks and their associated premise plumbing are an ideal environment for pathogen-harboring biofilms to grow and spread throughout facilities due to the connected system of wastewater plumbing. This study was designed to understand the distribution of pathogens and antibiotic resistant organisms (ARO) within and among handwashing sinks in healthcare settings, using culture-dependent methods to quantify Pseudomonas aeruginosa, opportunistic pathogens capable of growth on a cefotaxime-containing medium (OPP-C), and carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE). Isolates from each medium identified as P. aeruginosa or Enterobacteriaceae were tested for susceptibility to aztreonam, ceftazidime, and meropenem; Enterobacteriaceae were also tested against ertapenem and cefotaxime. Isolates exhibiting resistance or intermediate resistance were designated ARO. Pathogens were quantified at different locations within handwashing sinks and compared in quantity and distribution between healthcare personnel (HCP) and patient room (PR) sinks. ARO were compared between samples within a sink (biofilm vs planktonic samples) and between sink types (HCP vs. PR). The drain cover was identified as a reservoir within multiple sinks that was often colonized by pathogens despite daily sink cleaning. P. aeruginosa and OPP-C mean log 10 CFU/cm 2 counts were higher in p-trap and tail pipe biofilm samples from HCP compared to PR sinks (2.77 ± 2.39 vs. 1.23 ± 1.62 and 5.27 ± 1.10 vs. 4.74 ± 1.06) for P. aeruginosa and OPP-C, respectively. P. aeruginosa and OPP-C mean log 10 CFU/ml counts were also higher (p < 0.05) in HCP compared to PR sinks p-trap water (2.21 ± 1.52 vs. 0.89 ± 1.44 and 3.87 ± 0.78 vs. 3.21 ± 1.11) for P. aeruginosa and OPP-C, respectively. However, a greater percentage of ARO were recovered from PR sinks compared to HCP sinks (p < 0.05) for Enterobacteriaceae (76.4 vs. 32.9%) and P. aeruginosa (25.6 vs. 0.3%). This study supports previous work citing that handwashing sinks are reservoirs for pathogens and ARO and identifies differences in pathogen and ARO quantities between HCP and PR sinks, despite the interconnected premise plumbing.
60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗